we would like to

USAGE SUMMARY

"we would like to" is a grammatically correct and fully usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express a polite desire or request. For example, "We would like to invite you to our wedding next month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Well, we would like to.

The New York Times - Arts

We would like to see that too".

Independent

We would like to hear your thoughts.

The New York Times

"We would like to keep at it".

The New York Times - Sports

"We would like to share our experiences".

The New York Times

We would like to be doing more.

The New York Times

We would like to have more assets.

The New York Times

We would like to know".

The Guardian - Film

So we would like to find hands.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Funding Text: We would like to thank.

Cornell University

We would like to acknowledge following references.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we would like to" in formal writing, ensure it's followed by a clear and specific action or request to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "we would like to" is polite, it can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Consider using simpler alternatives like "we want to" or "we'd like to" for a more natural tone in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we would like to" functions as a polite expression of desire or intention. It typically introduces a request, suggestion, or statement of purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig showcase its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we would like to" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to convey a polite desire, request, or intention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys widespread usage across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media, Science, and Academia. Its inherent formality makes it suitable for professional settings, while shorter alternatives like "we'd like to" may be favored in casual conversations. While "we would like to" may be replaced with "we wish to", "we desire to", or "we are hoping to" depending on the context, the key is to align the level of formality with the intended audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we wish to

This option replaces "would like" with "wish", conveying a polite expression of wanting something.

we are hoping to

This conveys a sense of hope or anticipation, implying a desire with less certainty.

we desire to

This alternative replaces "would like" with a more formal verb, "desire", indicating a strong wish or intention.

we intend to

Similar to 'we are aiming to', this highlights the planned action and commitment.

we are looking forward to

This suggests eager anticipation, often used when discussing future events or collaborations.

we are aiming to

This focuses on the intention or goal, rather than just the desire itself, fitting when outlining plans or objectives.

our intention is to

Similar to "we intend to", but with a slightly more formal tone emphasizing the intent itself.

we are interested in

Here, the phrase shifts from directly stating a desire to expressing interest, which can be useful in more indirect requests.

we propose to

This suggests a formal offering or plan, suitable for business or academic settings.

it would be beneficial for us to

This expresses the desire as a benefit or advantage, making it suitable for persuasive contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "we would like to" in a sentence?

"We would like to" is generally followed by a verb. For example, "We would like to thank everyone for their support" or "We would like to request your presence at the meeting".

What is the difference between "we would like to" and "we want to"?

"We would like to" is a more polite and formal way of saying "we want to". Use "we would like to" in professional or formal contexts.

Can I shorten "we would like to"?

Yes, you can shorten it to "we'd like to", which is more appropriate for informal conversations while still maintaining a degree of politeness.

What are some alternatives to "we would like to"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "we wish to", "we desire to", or "we are hoping to".